Currant Confections Cultivate Contentment

There I was at the farmers market, loading up on the usual additions to round out my CSA-- a few of the first squash, some blueberries, some scallions-- and then I saw them:  bright red jewels glinting in the sun, beckoning me to come scoop them up into my basket.  I was powerless against their lure.  Never mind the fact that I had never cooked with fresh currants (I'm not sure if I'd ever even really eaten them), that was a problem for another time, like when I got home.

Weeknight Meal: Creamy Couscous with Chicken

This is a really easy meal that can be thrown together on a weeknight after work, perfect for a mild summer night with a side salad of cucumbers and tomatoes.  Adding just a dash of cream to the couscous makes it almost seem like time-consuming risotto.

• Season a chicken breast with salt and pepper.
• Heat a pan on high, add just a little butter, and sear the chicken breast.
• Reduce heat and cook the chicken for a few minutes, turning over once.
• Add 1/2 c. pearl couscous to toast to a golden brown.
• Add the juice of one lemon and 3/4 c. vegetable or chicken broth.
• Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed.
• Add about 2 tbsp cream and stir.
• Add 1/2 c. chopped green onion and 1 c. baby spinach.
• After plating the dish I like to toast the few remaining morsels of couscous in the pan until they are crispy for a garnish of contrasting texture.

Serves two.  Enjoy!